CDOT offers tips for Labor Day weekend travelers

The Colorado Department of Transportation offered motorists tips for Labor Day weekend travel in a new release Thursday.

CDOT reported that traffic volumes increase about 10 percent during the summer months, including over Labor Day weekend.

Typically, Friday tends to be the busiest travel day of the holiday weekend with steady traffic volumes the remainder of the weekend, according to the release.

The heaviest traffic volumes during the weekend are expected on I-70 from Summit County to Denver. Last year, 164,535 vehicles traveled through the Eisenhower Tunnel during the holiday weekend. The peak travel time for westbound I-70 will be from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. The heaviest travel time for eastbound I-70 will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, according to the release.

“The traffic volumes at the Eisenhower Tunnel give us a good perspective on travel patterns for the entire state during the holiday weekend,” said Don Hunt, executive director for CDOT. “To minimize delays during the holiday weekend, CDOT will suspend all construction projects, but motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid the peak travel times.”

In addition to planning ahead and avoiding peak travel times, CDOT encourages motorists to take advantage of the various amenities available at 31 rest areas throughout Colorado.

“During a long day of travel, the rest areas can serve as a great location to relax and take a break from driving,” added Hunt. “A short break can help refresh motorists, making them more alert and our highways safer.”

To plan a trip or to check road conditions, visit www.cotrip.org or call 511.